Hi to all members,

I feel the need to communicate to you all about the recent weather events we  all witnessed and the effect it is having on our course here at Redwood Park. This year to date has seen 1,455mm of rain, which is only 300mm off last year’s total. 4.5 months in and compared to our 12 months last year is a little concerning for all who is involved here at the club. We are at the point now that we are finding it nearly impossible to get the greens mowers out there. Even to get a cut on the greens. We are finding big sections of greens that are saturated to the point of being left due to all the sitting water. The fairways and rough are no different.

Last year we all witnessed a lot of course closures; no carts, and delays throughout the course and already I can see it is going to be very similar to last year if not worse. I don’t take calls like these lightly as I am aware of the impact on the golfers and the club, but the sad reality is on a site like ours it is imminent.

As a club we have a board meeting this Monday; from my side there will be a lot of discussion around the course conditions at the moment and the measures in place going forward and a clear protocol for everyone to know, as well as having plans in place with clarity over closures, etc. a view of some sort of going forward/plan for the future proofing against the elements on this course.

I think with all that has been said the comments of “it is what it is” or “there is nothing we can do about it” or “can’t do anything about the rain” is correct to a point but isn’t helping with what we as greenkeepers must deal with or with what the members must see or play. I don’t want this to sound too direct but it is clear to see we have some issues and instead of hiding behind that fact, is coming together as a club to resolve it the best we can.

This weekend there will not be carts due to all this and my sincere apologies go out to the ones that need them to play the game we love.

Nine closures  

I know this doesn’t come at the best of times, but I am sticking to my schedule. Monday the 15^th and Tuesday the 16^th we will have a nine shut each day to get our tining done on the greens; yet again, weather may play a part in this. This practice can’t be left and is an important part of our green’s maintenance.

With all we are going through right now, I please ask for all your understanding and realise we as a club are doing our best to have a successful and functioning club.

Regards     

Daniel Godek

Course Superintendent